The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has announced the official closure of the UN Human Rights agency’s offices in Uganda.
The closure comes in the wake of the Ugandan government’s decision not to extend the agency’s mandate, marking the end of 18 years of operations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Türk expressed regret over the decision, acknowledging the years of collaboration with civil society and various stakeholders in Uganda. The agency had actively engaged with state institutions to promote and safeguard the human rights of Ugandans.
The agency’s operations were centered in Kampala since its establishment in 2006, originally focused on addressing human rights concerns in conflict-affected regions of Northern and North-Eastern Uganda. Its mandate was expanded in 2009 to encompass the entire country and all human rights issues.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the government chose not to renew the agency’s mandate, set to expire in March 2023. In a letter to the agency’s head office, the Ministry cited Uganda’s enhanced capacity to monitor, promote, and protect human rights without external support.
The decision to close the human rights offices triggered strong opposition from human rights activists and civil society groups. They perceive the move as the government’s response to mounting scrutiny over reported abuses, including torture, forced disappearances, detentions without trial, and re-arrests of individuals already legally released by the courts.
Despite discussions between the agency and the Ugandan government urging a reconsideration of the closure decision, President Yoweri Museveni stood firm. He stated during a press conference in March that the agency’s presence had created confusion, as people were uncertain where to report grievances, given the existence of the Uganda Human Rights Commission – a constitutional body responsible for protecting human rights.
As the UN Human Rights agency concludes its 18-year journey in Uganda, Türk acknowledged the nation’s progress in human rights. Yet, he expressed concerns about the persistent challenges that continue to impede the full enjoyment of human rights for all Ugandans. In particular, he highlighted the tense environment in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, which poses threats to human rights defenders, civil society actors, and journalists operating within Uganda.